Central Valley’s varsity boys soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to 11 games last month.

“It’s a result of the commitment and dedication of the players,” head coach Omar Leon said. “They’ve been working hard. Having extra coaches has also made a difference. They (Daniel Hernandez and Alexis Zigala) are making my job easier.”

“I’m really proud of everyone,” senior goalkeeper Erick Martinez Stucchi said. “No matter how good you’ve played, you can always do better. This is just the beginning. We’re only going up from here.”

The Hawks improved to 10-2-1 on the year with a 1-1 tie at East Union on Dec. 30.

“Preseason is over,” Leon said. “The numbers look pretty good considering we played really tough programs. We know we can still do better.”

“Playing for Central Valley is different,” Martinez Stucchi said. “The expectations are high the moment tryouts begin. We have a rich history. Getting Leon his first blue (Sac-Joaquin Section championship) banner would be memorable. Personally, it would be satisfying. My brother (Luis) won one with Ceres High. He always reminds me. It’s a sibling rivalry.”

Martinez Stucchi totaled seven saves against East Union.

Alex Bautista scored his third goal of the season for the Hawks.

“We didn’t have our full team,” Leon said. “Some of our players were out of the country and state for vacation. We had to pull up a couple of players from JV to help us out.”

Central Valley rolled to a 4-0 win over Pitman on Dec. 19 in Ceres.

“We were able to get a clean sheet against a very solid program,” Leon said. “They have a good coach and players.”

Bautista led the Hawks with two goals.

Isaiah Castillo and Javier Villanueva each tallied one goal.

Sebastian Castillo and Alejandro Gonzalez both dished out one assist.

Martinez Stucchi totaled eight saves.

Central Valley edged host Turlock 1-0 on Dec. 17.

Agustin Gutierrez scored the game’s lone goal.

Martinez Stucchi made seven saves.

“Turlock is one of the strongest teams we’ve played this season,” Leon said. 

Martinez Stucchi had a combined 22 saves against East Union, Pitman and Turlock.

“He has improved a lot from the last couple of years,” Leon said. “He hasn’t missed a single practice. He’s always motivating everybody. He’s earned the respect of all of his teammates.”

Central Valley collected 10 wins and one tie following an 0-2 start to the 2019-20 season. The Hawks compiled a 4-0 record en route to a first-place finish at the Lancer Pride Cup.

“I’m not surprised,” Martinez Stucchi said. “I knew we’d start winning games. The chemistry we have on the team is unmatched. We all get along. Our communication is good and ball movement  is fluid. Everybody’s doing their part.”